Safety First – Sterilization Techniques & Sanitation Standards

Sterilization

All of our piercing and tattoo needles are single use only. Immediately after the procedure, they are disposed of in approved biohazard containers. All tattoo ink is drawn from single-service caps containing individual portions. The remainder is discarded after use with each tattoo. Any item that cannot be disposed of with each use (such as tattoo tubes, piercing clamps, and taper pins) is sterilized in an autoclave.

Sterilization is a procedure that kills all microorganisms, including their spores. The sterilization procedure occurs in the autoclave. The autoclave consists of a steel chamber capable of withstanding more than 1 ATM or 15 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure. Pre-scrubbed, cleaned and bagged items to be sterilized are placed in the autoclave. As steam vapors enters the chamber, the air inside is forced out a vent. When the temperature inside the chamber reaches 100 degrees centigrade, or boiling, and all air has been removed, the vents are closed. Steam continues to enter increasing the internal pressure to 15 PSI above atmospheric pressure. 15 to 30 PSI at 273 degrees Fahrenheit for 55 minutes from cold start (45 minutes from hot start) adequately ensures death of all living microorganisms. In theory, all living material, including bacteria, fungi, spores and viruses are destroyed in 15 to 20 minutes. The extra time is a margin of safety. Additionally, the effectiveness of the autoclave in killing bacterial endospores is tested monthly by a third party laboratory using a sporestrip.

Counter tops, tattoo/piercing chairs, and arm rests are thoroughly cleaned after each use with a broad spectrum germicidal solution.